AWARE of MCS
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition defined by the Environmental Protection Agency as “a diagnostic label for people who suffer multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances.”
MCS is the inability to tolerate an environmental chemical or class of foreign chemicals. It develops from exposure to substances in the environment such as toxic mold and pesticides, and may result in intolerance to even very low-level exposure to chemicals. Symptoms often occur in multiple organ systems such as the nervous system, the lungs, and the digestive system.
MCS has also been termed toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), chemical injury syndrome (CI), 20th century syndrome, environmental illness (EI), environmental intolerance (IEI), and toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT).
What are the symptoms of MCS and what adjustments can be made to accommodate it?
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Canary in the Coal Mine
Those of us who have had a major mold exposure often become chemically sensitive. We essentially become canaries. We can sense the safety of an environment.
The following is excerpt from an article on bird care. It is a good word to all of us, canary or not.
There is an excellent website called The Canary Report designed to alert us to the hazards of chemicals.Birds have very sensitive respiratory systems, and you will want to avoid using most household cleaners and chemicals around your bird. This includes anything with a strong scent or chemical odor, cleaners, sprays, liquids, aerosols, etc. You should not use air fresheners (deodorizers and scents) when you have a bird, including sprays/aerosols, plug-ins, powders, and scented candles.